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Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel on the death of an OSCE observer in eastern Ukraine

Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel on the death of an OSCE observer in eastern Ukraine

23.04.2017 - Press release

Ahead of his departure for Jordan around midday (23 April), Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel issued the following statement in Berlin:

What we have feared for years has now happened: I am deeply shocked by the news from eastern Ukraine. The death of an OSCE observer and the injuries suffered by two others near Luhansk today is a terrible tragedy. Someone who only wanted to help bring about peace and end the fighting lost their life today.

Our condolences and heartfelt sympathy are with the families of the victims, their friends and colleagues. I wish the injured observers a speedy recovery. Our wholehearted solidarity is with Ambassador Apakan and his great team.

The OSCE observers show untiring commitment and do outstanding work day after day. It is thanks to them that in the last few years the military escalation in eastern Ukraine has not been greater. The intolerable attacks and unjustifiable accusations, especially on the part of the separatists, must stop. It is in the interest of everyone, particularly the parties to the conflict at the line of contact, that the OSCE observers are able to do their important and indispensable, and at the same time difficult and dangerous, work.